Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Hotel & Resort: The Perfect Family Vacation Spot
Introduction
You know that feeling when you arrive at a resort and immediately exhale? That’s the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. From the palm-lined driveway to the welcoming smiles at check-in, this is the kind of hotel that makes you feel like vacation has officially started—even if you still have Goldfish crackers in your carry-on and a kid clinging to your leg.
As a travel advisor (and mom of three), I’ve stayed at my fair share of resorts. And let me tell you, few properties strike that sweet balance between grown-up luxury and kid-friendly fun quite like the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, tweens, or teens, the resort evolves with your family—and gives everyone space to actually enjoy themselves. This sprawling 65-acre resort seamlessly blends Southwestern charm with modern amenities, making it a top pick for families seeking both adventure and relaxation.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort Amenities
This desert oasis is more than just a pretty face. The Fairmont is packed with amenities that make it feel like a full-blown vacation village—only with better cocktails.
Accommodations: Guest Rooms & Suites
Rooms are big (key when you're traveling with kids), modern, and designed with comfort in mind. Most have patios or balconies, and if you want extra breathing room, I highly recommend booking one of the Casitas. They’re ideal for larger families or multigenerational groups—and they come with cozy fireplaces and a touch more privacy.Choosing the right room can make or break a family vacation, and the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess offers a variety of options to suit every family's needs.
Privado Villas: Exclusive Comfort
For those seeking an extra layer of exclusivity, the Privado Villas are a dream come true. Often described as a "hotel within a hotel," this enclave offers private valet parking, a dedicated concierge team, and even complimentary car service within a specific radius. The villas themselves are nestled among cobblestone paths and native flora, creating a serene atmosphere that's perfect for unwinding after a day of activities.
The one-bedroom suites in Privado are particularly family-friendly, featuring a king or double queen room and a separate living area with a sleeper sofa. The thoughtful design includes a divider wall with a glassed-in fireplace and well-outfitted minibar, making it easy to keep snacks and drinks on hand for the kids.
Signature and Sunset Beach Suites: Central and Spacious
If you prefer to be closer to the main action, the Signature Rooms located in the Sunset Wing are ideal. These accommodations are steps away from the resort's most family-oriented areas, including the Sunset Beach pool with its sandy play area. The suites can be connected to create a three-bedroom unit, perfect for larger or multigenerational families.
Dining Options
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess understands that “What’s for dinner?” is a very important question. Here, the answer is: whatever you’re craving.
Food is a big deal on vacation, and the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess doesn't disappoint. With a range of on-site restaurants, there's something to satisfy every palate.
Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar: Overlooking the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course, Toro offers Pan-Latin cuisine and an impressive selection of over 150 rums. The kids' menu is thoughtful, and the churros are a must-try.
La Hacienda: This upscale Mexican restaurant boasts tableside guacamole and a tequila bar that's a hit with adults. The vibrant atmosphere makes it a fun dining experience for the whole family.
Ironwood American Kitchen: Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this spot offers classic American dishes in a casual setting. It's particularly convenient for quick, satisfying meals between activities.
Bourbon Steak: For a special night out (perhaps with a babysitter for the kids), this Michael Mina restaurant offers a world-class steakhouse experience.
The Plaza Bar: Perfect for evening cocktails, this stylish outdoor lounge offers a relaxed atmosphere to unwind after a busy day.
Pro tip: Reserve ahead for Bourbon Steak and La Hacienda—especially on weekends or holidays.
Pools
There are five—yes, five—pools at this hotel, and each one has a personality:
Sonoran Splash Pool: A hit with kids, this pool features two 200-foot waterslides and a zero-entry pool deck. It's adjacent to the Trailblazers Kids Club, making it easy to transition from one activity to the next.
Sunset Beach: Boasting 9,000 square feet of white sand, this is the largest pool and offers a beach-like experience in the desert. The adjacent splash pad keeps the little ones entertained for hours.
Princess Pool: Centrally located with views over the lagoon, this pool is a great spot for families to gather and relax. Ciao Bambino!
Sonoran Landing Pool: An adults-only retreat featuring lap lanes and floating bean bags, perfect for parents seeking some quiet time. Ciao Bambino!
Well & Being Rooftop Pool: Exclusive to spa guests, this tranquil pool offers stunning views of the McDowell Mountains.
Renting a poolside cabana at Sunset Beach is totally worth it for a mid-day siesta or shade for the littles.
Spa and Wellness
Book yourself at least one spa treatment—trust me. The Well & Being Spa has everything from massages to aerial yoga, while the Sisley-Paris Spa offers luxe French skincare treatments (hello, glowing vacation skin). The spa is massive, calming, and not overly trendy—just elevated and serene.
Fitness Facilities
If fitness is part of your routine—or you need to justify the churros—you’ll find a full gym and tons of group exercise classes, including rooftop spin, HIIT, and yoga.
Golf: TPC Scottsdale
This one’s for the golf lovers. TPC Scottsdale, home of the WM Phoenix Open, is right on property. Even if you don’t play, the course is beautiful to stroll, and it adds that “I’m-on-a-luxury-resort” energy.
Additional Services
You’ll also find:
Concierge services (great for booking outings or spa reservations)
Valet and self-parking
A full business center if you need to sneak in a little work
Why Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Should Be Your Next Family Vacation
Here’s what makes the Fairmont Princess Scottsdale so special—it grows with your family. What thrilled my toddler years ago (hello, splash pad and petting zoo) now delights my older kids with things like holiday ice skating and glow-in-the-dark laser tag. The resort nails seasonal programming: think fall festivals, summer dive-in movies, and winter wonderland events complete with twinkle lights and fire pits.
And the service? Impeccable. Staff go out of their way to make families feel seen—from remembering your name to dropping off s’mores kits in your room. The vibe is friendly, not fussy. You never feel judged for showing up to breakfast in flip-flops with a kid on your hip and another chasing lizards.
Layout-wise, it’s walkable enough to get around easily but big enough to feel like a true resort experience. If you’ve ever tried navigating a mega-hotel with three kids and a stroller, you’ll appreciate this.
Explore the Famous Tourist Spots Near Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
If you're in the mood to explore, there’s a ton within a short drive:
TPC Scottsdale – 1.1 miles (1.7 km)
Scottsdale Quarter – 2.3 miles (3.7 km)
WestWorld of Scottsdale – 2.5 miles (4 km)
Kierland Commons – 2.1 miles (3.4 km)
Taliesin West – 10 miles (16 km)
Old Town Scottsdale – 13 miles (21 km)
Scottsdale Fashion Square – 13 miles (21 km)
OdySea Aquarium – 10 miles (16 km)
McDowell Sonoran Preserve – 4.8 miles (7.6 km)
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park – 5.6 miles (9 km)
If I had to pick just a few? The aquarium is fantastic, the Railroad Park is a classic, and a sunset hike in McDowell is pure Arizona magic.
How to Book Your Vacation at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Want to make this vacation even more seamless? Book through Travel With Merritt, a luxury travel agency that delivers VIP experiences without the stress. As your dedicated personal travel planner, I work directly with the Fairmont team to ensure you receive top-tier perks—complimentary breakfast, room upgrades (when available), late check-out, and resort credits for spa treatments, meals, or poolside piña coladas. I’ll also help you select the perfect room setup for your group, whether that’s connecting suites or a spacious Casita so grandma and grandpa can join the fun. It’s all about the thoughtful touches that transform a hotel stay into a true vacation—because I’ve been there, too.
Conclusion
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is one of those rare resorts that makes everyone happy. There’s space to relax, play, eat, explore, and reconnect—with your family and maybe even yourself.
Whether you're splashing at Sunset Beach, roasting marshmallows by the fire, or enjoying a margarita while the kids hit camp, this is the kind of hotel you’ll want to return to year after year.
And when you’re ready to plan, Travel With Merritt has your back. Let’s turn this dream desert stay into your next favorite family memory.
